Dr. Christine Blasey Ford: Yes, Senator. I don’t know if it was exactly 36 years ago—

Grassley: But you think it was about 36 years ago.

Ford: Yes, sir. I must have been about 15 years old. I was home alone; my parents had gone out somewhere, I don’t recall where. It was evening, it was dark out, and I think I was watching TV. All of a sudden, there was a loud banging at the front door. I went to open it. (pauses)

Grassley: Please continue, Dr. Ford.

Ford: Yes, sir. It’s just that—it’s just that this is a very difficult memory for me.

Grassley: Is it a clouded memory, Dr. Ford?

Ford: No, sir. Not really, I mean, I remember the main facts, the important facts.

Grassley: Then do continue, Doctor.

Ford: Just as I approached the door—Brett Kavanaugh burst in. I’d met him a few times, and I recognized him. He was with another boy whom I didn’t know.

Grassley: You’re sure about that, Doctor.

Ford: Yes, Senator. Of course, I was taken aback that he had entered my house so abruptly. I don’t remember if I said, “Hi, Brett,” or anything like that, and I don’t remember if he recognized me.

Grassley: What do you remember, Dr. Ford?

Ford: (pauses) I—I remember him yelling, “Get out! Get out! There’s smoke coming from everywhere!” He dragged me out of the house. I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know what to do. But then I smelled smoke, and I turned around, and the house was on fire! The whole house was on fire, and I hadn’t even known it! (wipes eyes) I would have been killed if he hadn’t been walking by. That’s all. He saved my life. He walked by, saw the smoke, and rushed in to save me.

Grassley: And what happened then?

Ford: I don’t quite remember. Someone called the Fire Department—it may have been me; it probably was me. They came and put out the fire, and in the meantime I’d called my parents, and the neighbors were standing around, and, I don’t know, but Brett and his friend were gone. They just left really quickly, and I never said anything to him again. I mean, I guess I could have tried, but I didn’t. I’ve always wanted to thank him.

Grassley: And you never told anyone about this—that is, until you related the incident to your therapist many years later.

Ford: I don’t know, I think I was just—so shocked by the whole thing. I didn’t talk about it. But I always remembered Brett’s heroism. I think I always felt guilty about not thanking him, and that’s what came out during my session with the therapist.

Grassley: Dr. Ford, you’re aware that Judge Kavanaugh has unequivocally denied ever having saved you or anyone else from a house fire. He has also maintained that he never walked by your house. And his so-called friend claims that Judge Kavanaugh would never have done anything like what you described.

Ford: Yes, sir. I’m aware of that.

Grassley: Dr. Ford, as head of this committee, it is my duty to ascertain the truth in these proceedings. On the one hand, I have an upright judge with an impeccable record of honesty and integrity, a devout family man, someone who throughout his life has served his country. And this man denies everything you’ve said. On the other hand, I have you—you who can’t really remember what happened, who didn’t tell anyone about it, who can’t produce any witnesses to back up your story. Don’t you think that if Judge Kavanaugh had done what you say he did that he’d own up to it? Wouldn’t it be to his benefit to do so?

Ford: (pauses) Senator Grassley, there’s one other thing that I haven’t mentioned.

Grassley: And that is—?

Ford: When I opened the door and saw Judge Kavanaugh—I mean, when I saw Brett and his friend—